Kumbha Abhishekam of the Hindu Temple of Delaware
Rituals

Priests offering water during Havan (auspicious invocation of fire). A Havan is a purifying ritual that involves a fire ceremony. It is an elaborate ritual in which offerings of various items, such as, wood, incense, flowers, fruits, grains, ghee (clarified butter) honey, milk, etc. are made to the sacred fire. The ceremony is accompanied by chanting and singing.

Volunteers preparing for prayers.

President showing the community the gold offering to be permanently placed between one of the moortis and the yantram.

Priest circulating giving blessings.

Installing Radha and Krishna before the eye opening ceremony.

Priest blowing on the sacred conch to mark the conclusion of the havan (auspicious invocation of fire).

"Shanti Priya" (the calf adopted by the temple).

Community members touching the feet of the priest for blessings.

Shanti-Priya participating in Gowdaan (Sponsoring a Cow). Cows are sacred in Hinduism and are revered for their contributions and gentle nature. Cows are symbolic of motherhood. Just like a mother, the cow takes so little and gives so much. Since they represent pure energy, patience, and non-violence, cows are revered by Hindus. The temple has adopted Shanti-Priya (name means: Lover of Peace) pays for its upkeep at a local farm.

Shanti-Priya participating in Gowdaan. (Sponsoring a Cow). Cows are sacred in Hinduism and are revered for their contributions and gentle nature. Cows are symbolic of motherhood. Just like a mother, the cow takes so little and gives so much. Since cows represent pure energy, patience, and non-violence, they are revered by Hindus. The temple has adopted Shanti-Priya (name means: Lover of Peace) pays for its upkeep at a local farm.

The temple calf, "Shanti-Priya" inside the temple. When the deities open their eye, the first image is the sacred cow.

Priests performing collective havan (auspicious invocation of fire).

Priests chanting and making offering to the sacred fire.